Class 12 Geography Chapter 6 Water Resources

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Geography Chapter 6 Water Resources

Class 12 Geography Chapter 6 NCERT Textbook Questions Solved

1. Choose the right answers from the given options:

Question 1.(i)

Which one of the following types describes water as a resource?
Answer: (d) Cyclic Resource

Question 1.(ii)

Which one of the following rivers has the highest replenishable ground water resource in the country?
Answer: (a) The Indus

Question 1.(iii)

Which of the following figures in cubic kilometres correctly shows the total annual precipitation in India?
Answer: (c) 4,000

Question 1.(iv)

Which one of the following south Indian states has the highest groundwater utilization (in per cent) of its total ground water potential?
Answer: (a) Tamil Nadu

Question 1.(v)

The highest proportion of the total water used in the country is in which one of the following sectors?
Answer: (a) Irrigation

2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words:

Question 2.(i)

It is said that the water resources in India have been depleting very fast. Discuss the factors responsible for depletion of water resources?
Water depletion in India is due to population growth, over-extraction, and pollution. Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and sewage reduce quality. Rajasthan and West Bengal also face groundwater contamination.

Question 2.(ii)

What factors are responsible for the highest groundwater depletion in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu?
These states rely on groundwater for water-intensive crops like rice and wheat. High irrigation demand, easy access, and Green Revolution methods have caused severe groundwater decline.

Question 2.(iii)

Why the share of agricultural sector in total water used in the country is expected to decline?
Industrial and urban expansion will increase water demand for domestic and industrial uses, reducing agriculture’s share in total water consumption.

Question 2.(iv)

What can be possible impacts of consumption of contaminated/unclean water on the people?
Contaminated water leads to diseases like cholera and typhoid, raises infant mortality, harms health, and reduces life quality, especially in underdeveloped and rural regions.

3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words:

Question 3.(i)

Discuss the availability of water resources in the country and factors that determine its spatial distribution?
India receives 4,000 cubic km of rainfall annually, but usable surface and groundwater total about 1,869 cubic km. Only around 690 cubic km of surface water is effectively utilized. Major rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus dominate northern India, while southern rivers such as the Godavari and Krishna are monsoon-fed and seasonal. Groundwater usage is highest in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu. Coastal states like Kerala use lagoons and backwaters. The spatial distribution is affected by factors like rainfall patterns, topography, river basin size, and infrastructure. Geological conditions and monsoon dependency cause regional imbalances in water availability.

Question 3.(ii)

The depleting water resources may lead to social conflicts and disputes. Elaborate it with suitable examples?
Water scarcity leads to disputes and socio-political tensions. The Cauvery river conflict between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu arises from dry-season sharing. The Brahmaputra involves India, China, and Bangladesh. Limited usable water (around 1,122 cubic km) and regional imbalances fuel conflict. Northern rivers flood while southern rivers dry up. Urban shortages and unequal access add to tensions. Interlinking of rivers has sparked legal disputes and protests. Without sustainable management and equitable policies, water disputes will increase, affecting peace, development, and interstate relations.

Question 3.(iii)

What is watershed management? Do you think it can play an important role in sustainable development?
Watershed management refers to the conservation and regulation of water resources within a drainage basin using techniques like check dams, trenches, and recharge wells. It focuses on restoring ecological balance through community participation. This approach helps in groundwater recharge, controls runoff, prevents erosion, and supports agriculture. Programs like Haryali and Neeru-Meeru have empowered local communities. Tamil Nadu’s rainwater harvesting laws show effective policy support. Watershed management ensures sustainable use of water and supports long-term rural development, making it a critical strategy for environmental and economic sustainability in water-scarce areas.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 6 NCERT Extra Questions

Class 12 Geography Chapter 6 Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1: What percentage of world’s water resource does India have?

Answer – India possesses approximately 4% of the world’s total water resources, which must support about 16% of the global population.

Question 2: What is the percentage of fresh water to total water in the world?

Answer – Although 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water, only around 3% of it is fresh water that is usable for human, agricultural, and industrial needs.

Question 3: What is the total replenish able groundwater resource of India?

Answer – India’s total replenish able groundwater resource is estimated at 432 cubic kilometers, forming a critical component of the country’s freshwater supply.

Question 4: Define rainwater harvesting.

Answer – Rainwater harvesting is an eco-friendly technique that involves collecting and storing rainwater for reuse and groundwater recharge. This method helps reduce water scarcity, prevent soil erosion, and improve groundwater levels.

Question 5: What is watershed management?

Answer – Watershed management refers to the sustainable conservation of water and land resources within a watershed. It involves methods like runoff prevention, groundwater recharge, and community participation to enhance environmental and livelihood security.

Question 6: What are the water conservation projects of Andhra Pradesh & Rajasthan?

Two notable projects are:
Neeru-Meeru in Andhra Pradesh
Arvari Pani Sansad in Alwar, Rajasthan
Both focus on rainwater harvesting and community-led water conservation.

Question 7: What are the different water harvesting structures?

Answer – Common rainwater harvesting structures include percolation tanks, recharge wells, and dugout ponds such as Johads.

Question 8: Which was the first state to make water harvesting system compulsory?

Answer – Tamil Nadu was the first Indian state to make rainwater harvesting mandatory for all buildings.

Question 9: What are the rainwater harvesting structures in Rajasthan?

Answer – In Rajasthan, traditional rainwater harvesting structures include Kunds or Tankas (covered underground storage near homes) and Johads, which store rooftop or rainwater runoff for future use.

Question 10: In spite of the fact that 71% of the earth is covered with water, water is scarce. Substantiate.

Answer – Despite covering 71% of the Earth, only 3% of water is fresh—and a much smaller fraction is accessible for human use. Regional imbalance, pollution, and overuse lead to water scarcity and inter-community disputes, making sustainable use essential.

Question 11: In which sector the share of total water used in the country is high?

Answer – The agricultural sector accounts for the highest share of water use in India, utilizing over 80% of both surface and groundwater resources.

Question 12: Compare water resources of India and its population with respect to the world.

Answer – India has 16% of the world’s population but only 4% of its total water resources, creating a significant demand-supply imbalance.

Question 13: Mention four sources of surface water.

The major sources of surface water include:
– Rivers
– Lakes
– Ponds
– Tanks

Question 14: Give an account of river water in India.

Answer – India has around 10,360 rivers and tributaries longer than 1.6 km each. The mean annual water flow through these river basins is estimated at 1,869 cubic kilometers.

Question 15: In which rivers are precipitation rates high and what are its effects?

Answer – High precipitation occurs in the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak basins. Though these rivers drain only one-third of the country’s area, they account for 60% of India’s surface water resources, making them crucial for water availability.

Question 16: Which states have surface water in the form of lagoons and lakes? For what purpose is it used?

Answer – Kerala, Odisha, and West Bengal have significant lagoon and lake resources. Though the water is often brackish, it is widely used for fishing and irrigating crops like paddy and coconut.

Question 17: Where is the highest replenishable water concentrated?

Answer – The Ganga and Brahmaputra basins hold about 46% of India’s replenishable groundwater. High usage is also noted in northwest and southern river basins due to intensive agricultural demands.

Question 18: What is the utility of irrigation in agriculture?

Answer – Irrigation plays a vital role in enhancing agricultural productivity. It enables the adoption of modern farming practices, supports multi-cropping throughout the year, and significantly reduces the dependency on erratic monsoon rains. As a result, it ensures consistent crop yields and food security.

Question 19: How does irrigation help in multi-cropping?

Answer – Irrigation provides a continuous water supply, making it possible to cultivate crops in all seasons, not just during the monsoon. This allows farmers to grow multiple crops on the same land annually, thereby increasing output and improving land use efficiency.

Question 20: What do you mean by water pollution?

Answer – Water pollution refers to the degradation of water quality due to the introduction of harmful substances—biological, chemical, physical, or radioactive. These contaminants make the water unsuitable for human use, agriculture, and aquatic ecosystems, posing serious health and environmental risks.

Question 21: Why is rainwater harvesting important?

Answer – Rainwater harvesting is crucial for conserving natural water resources. It helps collect and store rainwater for later use, supports groundwater recharge, and reduces the burden on conventional water supply systems. It is a sustainable solution to address water scarcity, especially in drought-prone regions.

Question 22: How has Ralegan Siddhi become a source of inspiration?

Answer – Ralegan Siddhi, a village in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district, has become a model for effective watershed development and water conservation. Through community-driven initiatives, the village achieved remarkable success in rainwater harvesting and afforestation, setting an example for rural development across India.

Question 23: How is quality of national water resources monitored?

Answer – The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in collaboration with various State Pollution Control Boards, monitors the quality of India’s water resources. Currently, water quality assessments are conducted at over 507 stations across the country to track pollution levels and maintain ecological balance.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 6 Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1: What are the three things essential for water resource development?

Answer – The key pillars for effective water resource development are assessment, efficient utilization, and conservation. Since only a small portion of freshwater is accessible for human use, and its availability varies regionally and seasonally, these three factors are crucial. Conflicts over control and sharing of this limited resource make it even more necessary to manage water wisely to ensure long-term sustainability.

Question 2: Why does the use of groundwater vary from state to state?

Answer – Groundwater usage differs due to geographical and geological variations. In northwestern and parts of southern India, soft alluvial soils make it easy for rainwater to percolate and recharge underground aquifers. These areas also favor well and tube-well construction. In contrast, regions with hard rock terrain, such as in much of southern India, rely more on surface water due to limited groundwater accessibility.

Question 3: What are the emerging water problems facing India?

Answer – India faces critical water challenges such as groundwater depletion, contamination, and growing demand. Overextraction in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Maharashtra has led to falling water tables and increased fluoride and arsenic levels. Population growth, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff are polluting available resources, reducing the amount of clean water suitable for human and agricultural use.

Question 4: When was National Water Policy undertaken? Give its key features.

Answer – The National Water Policy was adopted in 2002 to guide sustainable water management. Its key priorities are:
– Ensuring drinking water as the top priority.
– Including drinking water provision in all irrigation and multi-purpose projects.
– Regulating overuse of groundwater.
– Monitoring water quality consistently.
– Promoting public awareness for water conservation.

Question 5: What do you mean by degradation of water resources?

Answer – Degradation of water resources refers to the decline in water quality due to contamination from harmful substances like industrial waste, chemicals, and microorganisms. These pollutants affect lakes, rivers, and groundwater, making the water unsafe for consumption, agriculture, and aquatic life, ultimately disturbing the entire ecosystem.

Question 6: Why is the level of groundwater utilization relatively high in the river basins lying in north-western region and parts of South India?

Answer – Groundwater is heavily utilized in these areas because:
– Alluvial soils in northwestern India allow easy percolation and well construction.
– Agriculture in these regions demands substantial irrigation.
– In southern India, although rocky terrain limits percolation, lack of surface water options makes groundwater use essential.

Question 7: Name the three states which have larger area under irrigation and why?

Answer – The top three states with extensive irrigated land are Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh. These states focus heavily on water-intensive crops like wheat and rice. They rely significantly on groundwater through wells and tube wells and have well-developed canal irrigation systems, making them leaders in irrigated agriculture.

Question 8: What are the implications of using groundwater in drought-prone areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu?

Answer – Overexploitation of groundwater in these drought-prone regions has led to:
– Declining water tables.
– Increased fluoride levels (Rajasthan, Maharashtra).
– Arsenic contamination (Bihar, West Bengal).
– Rising soil salinity, particularly in Punjab and Haryana.
These consequences degrade both water quality and soil fertility.

Question 9: What are the four major problems in the development of water resources in India?

Answer – The four key challenges are:
– Unequal Availability: Water abundance in states like West Bengal vs. scarcity in Rajasthan.
– Pollution: Industrial, domestic, and agricultural waste pollutes water bodies.
– Inefficient Usage: Overuse leads to arsenic and fluoride contamination, especially in groundwater.
– Poor Management: Lack of infrastructure, rising demands, and inter-state disputes hinder resource development.

Question 10: Why there is a need to conserve water resources?

Answer – Water conservation is essential due to:
– Escalating demand in agriculture, industry, and domestic sectors.
– Increasing population and urbanization.
– High cost and limited feasibility of desalination.
– Ensuring sustainable availability for future generations.

Question 11: Give a few examples where water can be recycled and reused to improve the availability of fresh water.

Answer – Recycling and reuse examples include:
– Industrial reuse of treated wastewater for cooling and fire-fighting.
– Household reuse of greywater (from baths and kitchens) for gardening.
– Vehicle wash runoff can also irrigate green spaces.
These practices help reduce the burden on freshwater sources.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 6 Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1: What are the major sources of surface water?

Answer – The primary sources of surface water in India include rivers, lakes, ponds, and tanks. The country has around 10,360 rivers and tributaries extending beyond 1.6 km. The average annual water flow through these river systems is estimated at 1,869 cubic kilometers, though only about 690 cubic kilometers (32%) is usable due to topographical and hydrological limitations.

Surface water availability is highly influenced by monsoonal rainfall and the catchment area of rivers. The Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak river basins, covering nearly one-third of India’s area, account for 60% of total surface water resources due to high precipitation. In contrast, rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri in South India have harnessed a substantial portion of their annual flow. Additionally, tank irrigation is commonly practiced in peninsular India, especially in areas with limited river flow.

Question 2: With the example of ‘Ralegan Siddhi’ show how watershed development projects are imperative for development.

Answer – Ralegan Siddhi, a village in Maharashtra, exemplifies the success of community-led watershed development. Once a poverty-stricken area, it was transformed through the efforts of Anna Hazare, a retired army man. He mobilized villagers to build percolation tanks, ban water-intensive crops, and implement soil and water conservation techniques.

The village formed a youth group called Tarun Mandal, which promoted social reforms like banning dowry and untouchability. Practices like open grazing were restricted, and water-saving crops were introduced. A Nyay Panchayat resolved local disputes, and villagers collectively funded a school. This integrated approach made Ralegan Siddhi economically self-reliant and a model of sustainable development through effective watershed management.

Question 3: Give some possible solutions to water problem in India.

Answer – To address India’s water challenges, a holistic and sustainable approach is essential. Some effective solutions include:

• Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting rainwater from rooftops and open areas reduces groundwater dependence and helps recharge aquifers.
• Desalination: Coastal and arid regions can convert seawater into freshwater using desalination technology.
• Interlinking of Rivers: Connecting surplus and deficit river basins can balance regional water distribution.
• Water Pricing: Tiered water tariffs can promote responsible use and reduce wastage.
• Public Awareness: Educating people on water conservation and reuse is crucial for sustainable water use.

Question 4: Describe the features of surface water and the groundwater distribution in India.

Answer – Surface Water:

• Includes rivers, lakes, ponds, and tanks with over 10,360 rivers and tributaries.
• Annual flow estimated at 1,869 cubic km; only 32% is utilizable.
• The Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus basins hold 60% of the surface water due to vast catchments and high rainfall.

Groundwater:

• Total replenishable groundwater is about 432 cubic km.
• The Ganga and Brahmaputra basins have the highest reserves.
• High usage in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu due to intensive farming.
• States like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Kerala have low usage despite good availability.
• Moderate use in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tripura, and Maharashtra.

Question 5: Explain important features of National Water Policy, 2002.

Answer – The National Water Policy (2002) was formulated to ensure optimal use and sustainable management of India’s water resources. Key features include:

• Legal Framework: Proposes national water law and revising outdated laws like the Easements Act.
• Prioritization: Drinking water is top priority, followed by irrigation, power, industry, and ecosystem needs.
• Ecological Balance: Promotes maintaining minimum environmental flow in rivers.
• Climate Adaptation: Encourages designing infrastructure to cope with climate change.
• Efficiency Measures: Advocates for water auditing, footprint analysis, and usage benchmarks.
• Public Involvement: Stresses community participation and awareness campaigns for water conservation.

These initiatives aim to make water usage more equitable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 6 Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)

Question 1: The depleting water resources may lead to social conflicts and disputes. Elaborate it with suitable examples.

Answer – As water becomes increasingly scarce, it often sparks inter-state disputes and social tensions. India, with many inter-state rivers, has witnessed several high-profile conflicts over river water sharing, especially after independence, due to rising demands from agriculture, industry, and population growth.

Key examples of such disputes include:

• Cauvery River Dispute: Between Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala over equitable distribution.
• Krishna River Dispute: Involving Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Tungabhadra Conflict: Between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
• Aliyar-Bhavani Issue: A dispute between Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• Godavari Dispute: Among Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.

These conflicts underline the urgent need for cooperative water management and long-term policy frameworks to prevent resource-based tensions.

Question 2: Why do we need to encourage watershed development?

Answer – Watershed development plays a vital role in managing and conserving water and natural resources at a local level. Key reasons to promote it include:

• Preventing Run-off: Captures rainwater and prevents wastage.
• Groundwater Recharge: Facilitates the replenishment of underground aquifers.
• Sustainable Resource Use: Encourages balanced use of land, water, vegetation, and livestock.
• Community Participation: Strengthens local involvement in conservation, as seen in projects like Neeru-Meeru (Andhra Pradesh) and Haryali (national program).

Watershed development ensures sustainable livelihoods, improves agricultural productivity, and strengthens ecological resilience.

Question 3: Which river basin of India has the highest percentage of replenishable utilization of groundwater resources?

Answer – Ganga River Basin holds the highest share of replenishable groundwater utilization due to its fertile alluvial plains, extensive agriculture, and widespread well irrigation.

Question 4: Which sector (economic-activity) uses most of the surface and groundwater in India?

Answer – The agriculture sector consumes the largest share of both surface and groundwater resources in India, primarily for irrigation of water-intensive crops like paddy and sugarcane.

Question 5: Name the two metropolitan cities which are the main polluters of river Ganga before it reaches Varanasi.

Answer – The two major cities responsible for industrial and domestic pollution of the Ganga River before Varanasi are:
– Kanpur
– Allahabad (now Prayagraj)

Question 6: How can you help in improving the quality of water in your locality?

Answer – You can contribute to enhancing water quality in your area by:
– Using water judiciously to avoid wastage.
– Promoting awareness about pollution and water conservation.
– Supporting community initiatives like rainwater harvesting and waste segregation.